The broad range of horseback riding activities during this ranch vacation in Wyoming includes riding lessons with certified instructors to the intermediate level, a cross country jumping course for experienced riders, team sorting, herding cows on the grazing allotment in the national forest, cattle drives, roundups, and pack trips. Wyoming trail rides include cantering on open plains, winding through pine and aspen forests, clambering up rocky gorges and crossing rushing streams that pour out of the mountains. Antelope, mule deer, elk, coyotes, and the occasional bear can be spotted. It is little wonder that the Bitterroot Ranch is featured in 1000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.
This is a working cattle ranch as well as a dude ranch and you will have frequent opportunities for cattle drives and roundups during the summer when the ranch cows are grazing in the adjacent national forest. This is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem which is the largest wild area left in the lower 48 states, providing a vast expanse of unspoiled country. Ranch guests can try their hand at cutting cows in weekly team sorting competitions. Many find that the teamwork between horse and rider provides a new dimension to the riding experience. The ranch brood mares produce a new crop of friendly foals each spring and guests often enjoy interacting with them. The Bitterroot has been owned and operated by the Fox Family since 1971.
Please enjoy our trip video from this ride and see our other Western riding vacations.
The horseback riding program at the Bitterroot Ranch caters to all levels of ability. Groups are kept small and are divided according to experience. Hiking and trout fishing are options for non-riders, making this a perfect family vacation. Stays at the ranch typically last a week, from Sunday to Sunday, but half week stays are also an option if you have less time available. The following itinerary gives an idea of a typical week, but there is much flexibility according to the needs and desires of guests.
Sunday – Arrive and settle into your comfortable log cabin before meeting the other guests for cocktails and a BBQ dinner by the river.
Monday, AM – Orientation and evaluation in the arena to determine that you are well matched to your horse and group. This is followed by an introductory ride through open plains and woods to the west of the ranch. 3 hours
Monday, PM – Set off along Meadow Creek and then climb up onto the high sagebrush plains which offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. 1 ½ hours
Tuesday, AM – Optional videotaped lesson (1 ½ hours) or ride to a breathtaking outlook in the Shoshone National Forest, returning by a different route. 2 ½ hours
Tuesday, PM – Set off along the river, then enjoy some fast riding along trails through the sagebrush with spectacular views of the snowcapped Wind River Mountains in the distance. 1 ½ hours
Wednesday, AM – Ride along the East Fork of the Wind River and Pine Creek on forest trails to Butch Cassidy’s hideout, returning across open sagebrush plains. 2 ½ hours
Wednesday, PM – Steep gorges with amazing views characterize the ride this afternoon. 2 hours
Thursday, AM – Optional videotaped lesson (1 ½ hours) or explore the Mountain Meadows area above the ranch with its aspen groves, pastures and old cow camps. 2 ½ hours
Thursday, PM – Enjoy a spectacular fast ride on the open plains of the Game & Fish habitat. 2 hours
Friday, AM – A long ride clinging to the hillside high above the East Fork of the Wind River negotiating steep mountain trails before breaking out into flatter sagebrush country with chances for some good canters. Sometimes we visit a site where 60 million year old fossils are found. 2 ½ hours
Friday, PM – Team sorting competition in the arena after the cows have been gathered (July, August, September). 2 ½ hours
Saturday – Set off on a picnic ride high into the Shoshone National Forest. In July, August and September the more experienced riders will check on and move cattle. 6 hours
Sunday – Departure after a good, hearty breakfast.
This itinerary is flexible and may be changed at your hosts's discretion due to unforeseen circumstances.
Tell us more about your riding experience and trip preferences below so we may find the perfect options to meet your needs. We will research availability and get back to you with a booking confirmation detailing suggested departure, cost and extended ride itinerary.
Do you have questions about this ride itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right ride for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the ride consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have
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Of all our ranch vacations, this one offered the most variety of terrains and rides. Every day a different surprise - Wind River and Absaroka ranges, Elk range, river canyons, volcanic ash hills, cattle driving, riding lessons, yoga, fly fishing, easy hikes to great scenery between rides, very well cared for horses,... Read more
Ferguson, 2019
Spend a week of combined yoga and riding at the Bitterroot Ranch, with yoga sessions led by Marc Holzman. The physical alignment one strives to achieve when riding horses... Read more
The last week of September is spent gathering the Bitterroot herd before the winter arrives. This is challenging work since the cows are scattered over a 50 square mile... Read more
The spring drive week at the Bitterroot Ranch includes one day of pushing the herd to their grazing allotment on the adjacent National Forest, with additional opportunities for cow... Read more
This clinic taught by Heidi Potter combines clear, gentle training techniques with Centered Riding® basics and philosophies for riders of all levels, from pleasure trail riders to accomplished competitors.... Read more
